Guest-ready in 10 minutes (even with kids)

No deep clean. No panic. You’re going to make the house look, smell, and feel ready—fast. The trick is to fix what guests see and touch first: paths, three surfaces, one bathroom, and light. Everything else can wait.

Your grab-and-go kit (keep it under the sink)

• Microfibre cloth (x2)

• All-purpose spray + glass spray (or one vinegar/water mix)

• Disinfecting wipes (for toilet seat/handle)

• Mini trash bags (5–10 L)

• Lint roller (for couches)

• Hand towel (clean), guest soap, extra toilet paper roll

• Small basket for “stash & dash” items

• Matches/candle or plug-in diffuser

The 10-Minute Script (set a timer, move in order)

Minute 0–1: Lights on, windows cracked
Open blinds/curtains. If safe, crack a window for one minute. Fresh air beats any spray.

Minute 1–3: Clear the paths
Walk the entry → living room → bathroom route with a basket. Grab shoes, toys, stray laundry. Drop the basket in a bedroom and close the door. Paths matter more than hidden corners.

Minute 3–5: Three surfaces rule
Wipe the three surfaces guests will see/touch:

• Entry surface (console/bench)

• Coffee table (or dining table)

• Kitchen counter front edge (the “where cups land” zone)
  Spray, wipe, done. No rearranging your life.

Minute 5–8: Bathroom quick sparkle

• Swap in a clean hand towel.

• Put a fresh toilet roll visible (one on holder, one spare).

• Wipe sink + faucet (glass spray on mirror if spotted).

• Seat + flush handle with a disinfecting wipe.

• Close the shower curtain (hides visual noise).

• Empty the bathroom bin (tie bag, out).

Minute 8–9: Sofa + floor cheat

• Lint roll the spots where guests will sit.

• Visible crumbs? Quick dustpan sweep around coffee table/sofa. Don’t mop; no one cares.

Minute 9–10: Light + scent

• Warm light on (lamp > ceiling glare).

• Candle or two drops in a diffuser (citrus or clean linen).

• Put out water glasses and a small bowl for keys at the entry.

Done. Breathe. You look competent because you are.

Tiny upgrades that make this even easier

• Entry tray for keys + mail so the first sightline is calm.

• Toy mat in the living room: scoop corners together to clear in 10 seconds.

• “Guest caddy” under the sink with towel/soap/TP ready to grab.

• Throw a blanket on the couch: hides a multitude.

If kids are home (give them a job, not a speech)

• Under-5s: “Put all soft toys in this basket.”

• 5–8: “Clear the play mat; anything left goes to the ‘toy nap box’ until tomorrow.”

• 9+: “Bathroom towel swap and wipe faucet — timer is running.”
  Gamify with a two-minute song.

What not to do (ever, in ten minutes)

• No vacuuming the whole house.

• No reorganizing shelves.

• No scrubbing the oven.
  Focus is the superpower.

Quick-start checklist

• Keep the grab-and-go kit stocked.

• Save a clean guest towel set in the bathroom.

• Place a spare TP roll where guests can see it.

• Practice the 10-minute script once without guests. It gets faster.

FAQ

What if the kitchen is a disaster?
Wipe the front counter edge, stack dishes neatly in the sink, run the faucet for 10 seconds to rinse, and walk away. Close the dishwasher if full.

What about smells?
Open a window for one minute, take the trash out, light a match in the bathroom (old-school, works), then use a mild scent. Strong perfume screams cover-up.

Bottom line: clear paths, wipe three surfaces, sparkle one bathroom, set warm light. That’s guest-ready without the meltdown.